Matthew 11: 28 – 30
While getting some other things at the Christian bookstore recently, I picked up a book by Bill Hybels – “Simplify”. I respect Mr. Hybels so I picked up the book to check chapter titles and endorsements. It looked good and I know I the need to simplify. This happens each summer as I review what took place over the previous September to May. Every year the landscape and choices are a little different for me. This is the time of year I pray about women’s ministry, music, leading Adult VBS music, and lots of other stuff. In addition, I get thinking about bigger ideas – where is God leading – what happened last year in bible study, work, music etc. More importantly, I look for places I can get a better handle on commitments.
Anyway – this book, I feel, is going to be a game changer for me. Here are some of the words used in the chapter titles – overscheduled, overwhelmed, anxious, drifting, stuck, meaningless, exhausted. Do you identify with any of those??? I sure do. Maybe it’s not constant, but sometimes it almost feels like I am meeting myself coming and going. I feel overwhelmed as I contemplate the upcoming calendar or as I think about decisions which will affect the next year. My decisions affect others and it all becomes so heavy – in both mind and heart. I need to sort it out.
That’s where this book comes in. As I sit here writing this, I’m in the Detroit airport on my way home – where I grew up. I’m getting a week to visit, to attend a ceremony, to relax, to think things through. I brought the book with me and have only made it through the first chapter. Even though that’s true, I can see that it’s going to make me ask myself some serious questions. Focusing and identifying what is best among all the good is the task at hand. God talks about “the abundant life” in His word. That’s what I want. Mr. Hybels has struggled with all of this and still does to a degree. That’s why what he has to say in this book is so impactful. He’s lived this, he’s figured out some stuff with God’s help, and he is having a good deal of success employing key strategies.
How does this qualify as a devotional? Bring scripture into this and it really changes everything. There are several places where God makes the point of priorities, but I’ll just site a couple. In Luke‘s gospel Jesus goes to the home of Mary and Martha. Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet while Martha freaks out in the kitchen. Mary invested in relationship. Martha, while her heart was in the right place, was demonstrating what happens when we are overwhelmed and anxious. In the process she became frazzled and I’m sure exhausted. Jesus said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Jesus was saying that connecting with Him was what was important. And in Matthew Jesus says, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
What does it all mean? I am willing to bet that I’m not the only one that feels this way from time to time. I’m learning that it’s absolutely crucial to put my energy and trust in the most important things. There is no way we can do all that we want to do. If I will keep my priorities straight, God will help me sort the calendar and requests out.
Mr. Hybels talks about “uncluttering the soul”. That is precisely what is needed. I’ll leave you with a quote from this first chapter……………so good. “…without the needless clutter clanging around in your soul, you’ll be able to hear – and respond to – each whisper from God.” I want to hear His whisper – every single one.